St Andrews College Marayong eNewsletter Term 2 Week 6
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From the College Principal
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From the Assistant Principal – Systems, Data and Professional Learning
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From the Leader of Faith, Mission and Learning
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From the Assistant Princiapl - Teaching, Learning and Wellbeing
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From the Assistant Principal - Wellbeing and Learning
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From the Leader of Wellbeing and Learning
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From the Acting Leader of Wellbeing - Year 9
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Drews Debating
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Indigenous Veterans Commemoration Service 2024
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SAC Art
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Request for Host Families - Japanese Exchange
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Year 11 Industrial Technology: Mastering Multimedia Magic
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Diving Report - Australian Age Championships and PSSA Diving
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The Shakespeare Carnival - Results of the Grand Final
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What’s happening in PDHPE?
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Performance @ SAC
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Important Dates
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St Andrews College Leadership Team 2024
Newsletter 9 2024
Dear Members of the St Andrews College Community,
As we pass the midpoint of Term 2 I would like to thank all the staff, student leaders and students for their dedication and application. We are fortunate to have the staff who always put their hand up to facilitate and experience for the students, many that other schools do not have. Diving comes to mind, but there are many more. At present we are seeking expressions of interest in our History trip to Europe in 2025. Our student leaders are continuing to develop ideas to further develop our St Andrews community. They inspire me daily.
It’s All About Learning
Reading Reflection: Connecting Paul with Genesis in the Bible:
Jeff Cavins offers a reflection on the story of the Fall of Man in Genesis for the Sunday of the 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B. In his reflection, he encourages us, along with St. Paul, to shift our attention towards things that are unseen and enduring, rather than being solely preoccupied with transient matters.
Sin and Blaming:
A homily for the 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B from Bishop Robert Barron. The first chapters of Genesis, particularly the third chapter which we read today, present an exceptionally rich depiction of who we are, our calling, and the challenges we face. It is within these chapters that we find a profound understanding of Jesus and his work, as they shed light on the immediate aftermath of original sin—experiencing alienation, shame, self-centeredness, and engaging in scapegoating.
Disobedience and Hope in the Garden of Eden:
On the 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, we see God confronting Adam and Eve after their disobedience in the Garden of Eden. They had eaten the forbidden fruit, and now they faced the consequences. God tells them what will happen because of their actions, but He also gives a promise.
In Genesis 3:9-15, God speaks of an offspring who will crush the serpent's head. This points to Jesus, who will overcome sin and death. Despite their disobedience, there is hope for the future. God’s promise shows His love and mercy.
This story reminds us that sin has consequences. When we disobey God, it affects our lives. But God’s promise of redemption is always there. He never leaves us without hope.
Faith and Hardship:
In 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1, Paul talks about faith during difficult times. He encourages believers to stay strong. Despite the hardships they face, they look forward to eternal glory.
Paul reminds us that our troubles are temporary. They prepare us for eternal life with God. Our focus should be on what is unseen and eternal.
This passage encourages us to keep our faith strong. No matter what challenges we face, we trust in God’s promises. Our hope in eternal life gives us strength.
Redefining Family:
In Mark 3:20-35, Jesus faces opposition. His own family and religious leaders accuse Him of being possessed by evil. Jesus uses this moment to teach an important lesson.
Jesus says that those who do the will of God are His true family. This means that spiritual kinship is more important than blood relations. Obedience to God makes us part of Jesus' family.
We are invited to examine our own understanding of community and spiritual kinship. We are called to embrace our fellow believers as brothers and sisters in Christ, irrespective of societal or familial divisions. Through this redefinition of family, we are challenged to extend the boundaries of our love, acknowledging the unity we share as part of God's spiritual family.
Facing Opposition:
Jesus faced many challenges during His ministry. His own family did not understand Him. Religious leaders opposed Him. Despite this, Jesus stayed focused on His mission.
We, too, may face opposition in our lives. People may not understand our faith. They might challenge us. But like Jesus, we must remain committed to God’s will.
The readings for the 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B remind us to stay strong in our faith. We have hope in God’s promises. We are part of His family when we follow His commands.
As we reflect on these readings, let us remember God’s love and mercy. Despite our failures, He offers us hope. By staying strong in our faith and doing His will, we become part of His true family.
Year 12 Visual Art Major Works Night:
Last Wednesday I had the pleasure of attending the Year 12 Visual Art Major work review/progress night. Johnny Romeo (art expert and former teacher of St Andrews College), experienced art teachers from other schools and our wonderful Art Faculty were in attendance. Mrs Kemal (Year 12 Art teacher) has really developed the class to a point where they are well beyond other schools in their progress. Mrs Harris (Art Leader of Learning) was also one of the markers and we appreciate her leadership. Congratulations to the students who did so well. Thank you to Mr Finnerty, Mr Kolek, Ms Rivera and Mr McLoughlan for their attendance and support.
Debating after Round 6:
We have just completed the last of our preliminary rounds of Debating and it was inspirational to see how much the students have developed across the six weeks. The hard work that they have put in listening to feedback from adjudicators, attending workshops held by Mr Dewar and Ms Douglas on Thursday’s, and observing how others are presenting their views has been a credit to the team. I am also appreciative of the organisation from Ms Douglas and the team of staff and student helpers through adjudicating, being a Chairperson, being a timekeeper, assisting with catering, and observing. You are the reason why we have such a strong Debating and Public Speaking culture at the College. We now have two undefeated teams and two teams that should progress to the Eliminations. We wish them all the best in the Finals.
Unity Day Rehearsals:
Thank you to the many staff and students who have been busy preparing for Unity Day in the upcoming weeks. We really appreciate the hard work and coordination efforts that go into ensuring the day is a success.
Shakespeare at St Andrews:
Congratulations to the Year 8 Team who made it to the finals of the Shakespeare Carnival last weekend. We are very proud of your video and your growth as performers.
Sporting Successes:
Congratulations to Mrs Weaver and the Diving Team on all the hard work that is going on behind the scenes with the Diving Team and congratulations on a successful All Schools Competition last week.
Congratulations to our teams as they move into Week 4 of the Winter Competitions. Some very comprehensive results all round. Keep up the training and hard work.
‘It’s All About Learning’
Fidem in Christo
Dr Stephen Kennaugh
Principal
Tell Them From Me (TTFM) Survey
Thank you to our parents/carers and students for completing this survey.
The survey will provide us with valuable insights into what our school community thinks about school life including how engaged students are with school and the different ways that teachers interact with them. Schools in Australia and around the world use the Tell Them From Me survey to help them improve.
I will provide a summary of the findings early in Term 3
Planning for the 2025 Timetable
We are well underway with the planning for the 2025 Timetable.
Year 10 Subject Selection (for Year 11 2025) is underway and Year 8 Elective Selection (for Year 9 2025) begins next week.
Thank you to the families who have provided feedback regarding our timetable processes.
A Reminder …
I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to contact me by email pfinnerty@parra.catholic.edu.au if you have any questions or feedback regarding the information above which relates to my specific role as Assistant Principal – Systems, Data, and Professional Learning.
Thank you for your continued support
Patrick Finnerty
On the 24-25th May our staff at St Andrews were blessed to be able to participate in a Silent Retreat at Mount Carmel Retreat Centre. The theme for our retreat was Psalm 62:5
“For God alone my soul waits in silence for my hope is from him.”
The retreat highlighted for many of us the need for silence for our well-being, and to have the opportunity to listen to the Lord's voice.
In our society today we rarely give ourselves the opportunity for silence; to listen. We are bombarded with stimuli for our phones, social media, emails, and Netflix, which very often heightens our senses, keeping us always busy. Elijah in the Book of Kings however, found that the Lord was not in noise. He was not in the great wind; the Lord was not in the earthquake or a fire, but he was present in the sound of sheer silence.”
Silence is a wonderful opportunity to reset and for prayer, however, just like our physical bodies, our spiritual practice also takes training. Our staff were able to enter the silence of the retreat through prayer workshops and adoration, before being able to enter into the experience at the beautiful grounds at Mount Carmel Retreat Centre. The Station of the Cross walk, and personal reflections developed by Fr Kevin Redmond were a highlight for many, as well as the scripture reflections by the lake, and rosary walk.
Listening is a gift of the Holy Spirit. Every significant moment in Jesus' ministry was preceded by silent prayer. St Mark writes: "Very early next morning, long before daylight, Jesus got up and went to a lonely place where he was absorbed in prayer"
The experience of silence and prayer, are practices that when integrated into our daily lives can allow us to care for the physical, but can also develop our spiritual lives by taking the time to listen, to be aware, and open ourselves to the presence of God. Silence is a necessary condition for prayer and for unbroken union with God. Saint Teresa of Calcutta says that “prayer is the fruit of silence.”
Thank you to Fr Kevin Redmond for making time for us on retreat before heading to Belgium. Thank you to Simone McKecknie for her work with the logistics of the retreat. Thank you to all our teachers who assisted with the Prayer Workshops and for all who attended the retreat as it was a fruitful experience.
Andrew Hoare & Karina Anthony
Faith Mission and Learning
CANVAS UPDATE
Moving into week 7 parents will have access to some learning tasks in Canvas in their child’s subjects. They will be able to see the task itself, their child’s response or submission to the task, the result for the task and feedback from the teacher about their child’s learning for that task. The aim of this is to provide parents with more insight on the ability of their child’s learning during the term.
Grades, marks and feedback are used for tasks that are not on the formal assessment plan for each course. Most of the time assessment is understood as a way to provide information about student learning and achievement at a point in time and the progress students have made, however in this context assessment is used for the purpose of providing feedback about a students’ progress in order to determine the next steps in learning.
Canvas provides far more detail about the progress students have made for parents. As a learning community we are in the early stages of our Canvas journey. Some subjects may have more content, class lessons and student work than others. We have aimed to continue our commitment to providing two points of feedback for each child via Canvas this term. 2025 will see Canvas used more and more for teaching and learning and replace the current Google Classrooms.
The College appreciates your patience as we learn together during this time of transition to the Canvas Learning Management System. Please look out for the email with your login details throughout Week 7. If you’d like more information on Canvas, the link to the information can be found here.
ASSESSMENT AND REPORTING
As the end of Term 2 draws closer, we are all anticipating our Years 7 to 10 end of Semester 1 reports. Students have been mindful that everything they do counts towards their Grade. This includes classwork and any homework tasks teachers have provided for students.
The College aims to ensure that with access to Canvas, parents are able to see more of their child’s progress throughout the term. Compass will continue to provide formal assessment grades and College Reports to both parents and students. It is important that students check their marks and grades throughout the term.
Josilin Kalifa
Assistant Principal - Teaching, Learning and Wellbeing
Year 7-10 Student Learning Conference
The Student Learning Conference for the Semester 1 Year 7-10 courses will be held on Wednesday 3rd July (3pm-7.45pm) and Thursday 4th July (12.30pm-4.00pm) The event will be held in the Junior Campus Hall. Families can book either event through Compass.
Year 7-10 will be dismissed at 11.45am on Thursday 4th July and Year 11 and 12 will have normal classes that afternoon. If a teacher is teaching Year 11 or 12 that day they will be unavailable for interviews until 3pm.
Friday 5th July is a Pupil Free Day for Staff Professional Learning.
Unity Day 2024
On Friday 28th June is the Annual College Unity Day. This is that day that students get to celebrate their cultural heritage with the rest of the community.
Students can dress in their cultural outfits and be part of the fashion parade. All other students are to wear their sports uniform.
There will be a liturgy spoken in different languages, a smoking ceremony, cultural activities and a showcase of songs and dance from different cultures.
Hands off policy
St Andrews College has a strict hands-off policy. This policy and expectations is about respecting each other’s personal space. “We were just mucking around” is not an excuse to touch another student. We do not touch anyone, for any reason, be it in anger, affection or mucking around.
Breaching the hand off policy could result in an external suspension so be careful about touching others.
Uniform
All students should be in full winter uniform every day. As it gets colder students start to wear extra clothing. I suggest that thermal clothing that goes under the uniform be used. If a student wears non-St Andrews clothing they will be asked to remove it. If they wish to wear gloves or a scarf they must be navy or black.
All students are expected to have a College bag at school and to have it every day. Sports uniforms on a Thursday must be complete or they are to wear their winter uniform. No non-St Andrews track pants and leggings are to be worn to school.
If your child cannot wear a part of the uniform please notify the College either by phone or a written note. Students that come in the wrong uniform may be asked to do a detention, stay in the office or asked to go home to rectify their uniform.
Attendance
All students need to be mindful of how many days each they are absent. We understand that sometimes sickness and family issues affect attendance but sometimes we are ok to come to school but we stay at home.
We aim for students’ attendance to be 90% but a lot of students have dropped below that level. Every day a student is absent they are missing vital learning, and this could have a negative effect on their future.
Every absence or lateness must be justified. All absences must be for legitimate reasons. Please do not leave any absence or lateness without a reason. Continue to notify the office and if your child is sick please and respond to the notification either via the compass app.
If you need assistance with getting your child back into a normal attendance and school routine please contact the Leader of Wellbeing for your child year. If you would like to know your attendance level please contact your Leader of Wellbeing.
What’s in the Planner?
The key strengths to focus on are Optimism and hope. Being optimistic and hopeful helps you overcome challenges and give you a sense of purpose.
Negative thinkers have a fixed mindset; they always look for what is wrong and what they cannot do. People with a fixed mindset believe that they cannot get better at a task or make any improvement. The classic example is a person saying that they are no good at maths so they don’t try.
You need to have a growth mindset and believe that with hard work and help you can be good at whatever you do. If you work hard you can turn any situation around. Instead of saying, “I cannot do algebra” you say “I cannot do algebra –YET”
Using assertive language when dealing with situations is a great skill for the future. Say what concerns you, how you feel about it and what you would like to happen. Try not to be aggressive or too timid and never use SMS texts or emails to avoid personal contact.
Being organised is essential in life and in work. Planning is an important part of being organised. At school, planning your work such as assessments will enable you to perform better. Everyone organises themselves in different ways. It is important to try different ways of organising to see which one works best for you.
Just a reminder that we should be exercising and eating healthy food if we want to flourish. Poor food choices and lack of exercise can have a negative impact on our wellbeing.
Have you done the strengths survey yet? Go to http://www.viacharacter.org and fill in the survey to identify your strengths. To get bonus house points come and tell me your top 3 strengths.
Top character strengths to focus on is teamwork and curiosity.
God Bless
Mr. Nick Thrum
Assistant Principal
Year 11 Leadership
The Leadership process has started for all Yr 11 students. Students have been challenged to think about their own leadership, and to write a ‘Letter of Application’ to Dr Kennaugh if they are interested in being part of the Student Leadership Team in 2024/2025. We need to start this process early as Yr 12 finish their formal schooling at the end of Term 3. Good luck to all students who put themselves forward for the opportunity of leading our Community in 2024/2025. Letters are to be submitted to the office by Tuesday June 11 at 8:45am.
Principal’s Awards
It’s wonderful to see so many Principal’s Awards being presented by Dr Kennaugh at the Assemblies on both the Junior and Senior Campus. It takes a lot of effort to receive a Principal’s Award - 125 Merits in fact - and not every student will receive a Principal’s Award during their time at St Andrews. It also takes a lot of courage to receive a Principal's Award in front of the whole school - I know many students are a bit nervous to receive their award in front of others. However I thank them for being brave, and for sharing their wonderful accomplishments with the College. Keep up the great effort!
Congratulations to the following students who have received Principal’s Awards:
Dion Abayakone |
Chang |
Theresa Batara |
Bennelong |
Abbygale Batula |
Frances |
Kieran Callaghan |
Bennelong |
Bella Chand |
Frances |
Sage Cheng |
Frances |
Kaitlin Cragg |
Bennelong |
Noah Daglis |
Bennelong |
Claire de Vos |
Chang |
Aaron Forneste |
Chang |
Sofia Fragomeni |
Frances |
Melissa Ghneim |
Bennelong |
Lawson Huppatz |
Chang |
Aurelle Husada |
Frances |
Jasmin Javed |
Frances |
Angus Kershaw |
Gould |
Tanisha Kumar |
Chang |
Zacharaiah Lazaro |
Chang |
Marcus Liao |
Chang |
Jazmyn McFadden |
Frances |
Hannah Myint |
Gould |
Monica Najibi |
Chang |
Amin Nameh |
Frances |
Toby Nelson |
Bennelong |
Lauren Renouf |
Bennelong |
Marcus Sewiha |
Chang |
Alizay Siale |
Bennelong |
Tyra Smith |
Chang |
Favour Unaeze |
Frances |
Yin Win |
Bennelong |
Sophia Zerafa |
Bennelong |




































Congratulations to the following student who received their third Principal’s Award:
Richard Tannous |
Chang |
House Cup Points Update
Good luck to all students in the upcoming Athletics Carnival. Remember there are many opportunities to earn points for your House at the Athletics Carnival, in both participation and the overall carnival.
The current totals are:
Bennelong: 51, 862
Chang: 44, 112
Frances: 39, 541
Gould: 41, 460
Mrs Sue Cooper
Leader of Wellbeing and Learning
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students of Year 9,
I hope this newsletter finds you all well and rested. I'm writing to you in a slightly different format today because I want to address something important: sleep! But before I dive into that, let me extend a warm welcome to both our students and parents. It's great to have you all on board!
Firstly, I want to say a big thank you to all the students who completed the PIVOT wellbeing surveys this term. Your input is incredibly valuable in helping us understand how we can support each other better. Overall, as a group, our PIVOT surveys have shown that our protective behaviors are strong, which is fantastic news for our wellbeing. However, there's one area that needs a bit of attention: sleep.
Sleep is super important for our overall health and happiness. It helps us concentrate in class, boosts our mood, and gives our bodies the rest they need to grow and stay healthy. But I know sometimes it can be hard to get enough sleep, especially when there's homework to do, games to play, and friends to chat with.
So, I wanted to share some tips with you all on how to manage your sleep better:
- Stick to a Routine: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This helps regulate your body's internal clock and makes it easier to fall asleep and wake up feeling refreshed.
- Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine: Wind down before bed with activities like reading, listening to calming music, or taking a warm bath. Avoid screens like phones and tablets, as the blue light can interfere with your body's natural sleep cycle.
- Limit Caffeine and Sugary Drinks: Try to avoid drinks like V and Redbull, coffee, tea, and soft drinks in the afternoon and evening, as they can make it harder to fall asleep.
- Make Your Bedroom a Sleep-Friendly Environment: Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet to create the perfect sleeping environment. Invest in a comfortable mattress and pillow to ensure a good night's sleep.
- Get Plenty of Exercise: Regular physical activity can help improve the quality of your sleep. Just make sure not to exercise too close to bedtime, as it can make it harder to fall asleep.
Now, I also wanted to let you know that I'm planning to run a focus group that includes both the student voice and parent voice to delve deeper into this issue and come up with some strategies to improve our sleep habits as a year group. I would really appreciate it if parents could share their thoughts and ideas with me via phone (9626 4000) or email (nweaver@parra.catholic.edu.au). Your input is invaluable in helping us create a plan that works for everyone. Students please remember, if you ever need someone to talk to about your wellbeing, myself and the rest of the wellbeing team are here for you.
As always, I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to the parent community for your unwavering support and partnership in nurturing the holistic development of our students. Together, we can empower our students to thrive and make a positive impact in the world.
With warm regards,
Mr Nathan Weaver
Acting Year 9 Leader of Wellbeing
Debating Preliminary Season Wrap Up
I’m thrilled to share some fantastic news about our recent performance in the CSDA Debating Competition. Our teams have shown incredible dedication, improvement, and skill throughout the competition, and we couldn't be prouder of their achievements in the last 6 rounds of the competition.
Over the course of the competition, our results have improved significantly. This remarkable progress is a testament to the hard work of our teachers and adjudicators, whose constructive feedback has been instrumental in helping our speakers grow and develop. Their commitment to our students' success has truly made a difference.
Out of our 12 teams, four have made it through to the next stage of the competition—a huge congratulations to them! A special shout-out goes to our 9A and 10A teams, who will advance straight through as undefeated champions in the preliminary rounds. Additionally, our 10B and 11A teams will compete in the elimination rounds to secure their spots in the finals. The draw for the next phase of the competition will be released next week, and we eagerly await the exciting matchups ahead.
A huge thank you goes out to all the helpers who make our debating events possible. From setting up rooms and timekeeping to chairing debates and being part of our audiences, your contributions are invaluable. All students involved in these efforts will be receiving merits and certificates in recognition of their assistance.
Thank you once again to everyone who has supported debating over the year. We still have a way to go, but it has already been an incredible year filled with growth and success. Let's continue to cheer on our debaters as they strive for excellence in the upcoming stages of the competition.
Congratulations once again to all our speakers for their incredible effort this year.
Miss Mickaella Douglas
Debating and Public Speaking Leader
Last Friday 31st May, as part of Reconciliation Week, many First Nations’ students accompanied Mrs Rosinski to the annual Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans Commemoration Service at Hyde Park War Memorial. We travelled with other teachers and students from the Parramatta Diocese and members of the Jarara team.
The service combined conventional military protocols, such as the Mounting of Catafalque party and wreath laying with Indigenous ceremonial protocols; a warm welcome to Gadigal country by Uncle Allen Madden; and, didgeridoo playing with a traditional smoking ceremony.
The moving ceremony featured the involvement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, students, as well as current serving and veterans of the Australian Defence Force. The commemorative address was given by Squadron Leader Patricia Thompson, a former teacher who followed her life goal of joining the army to become an Senior Indigenous Liaison Officer with the Air Force.
Students were inspired and impressed by the ceremony and their tour of both the War Memorial and the Yininmadyemi Memorial at Hyde Park. Our students made new friends and caught up with old acquaintances. They were attentive and respectful in honouring the many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders who have fought for Australia through many theatres of war.
Special thanks to Dr. Kennaugh for allowing the group to attend this important event, Mrs Welch for purchasing the beautiful wreath that Ava Bylsma and Chloe Mates laid at the Cenotaph. Thank you too to Mr McLoughlin for driving us to and from Jarara on the day.
A special thanks to all the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans for their service and sacrifice for Australia.
We will remember them.
Operation Art 2024
Thank you to our SAC artists who took on the opportunity to submit an artwork for our internal St Andrews Operation Art competition. It was such a difficult decision to make a choice amongst all the wonderful artworks submitted by students. We have such a wonderful school community and the students should be commended for participating in our extra curricular events.
Congratulations to Rhythm Gupta (8G9) and Micaela Sibucao (10G16) for their entries, which have been selected to represent our College. These were sent to Operation Art last week and we look forward to information about the Operation Art Exhibition Opening.
Junior CAPA Showcase
The Junior CAPA Showcase will be held in the Junior Campus hall on Wednesday 12th June. From 5pm, vibrant artworks from our 7 - 10 artists will be displayed, followed by an evening of Music and Drama performances. We are looking forward to showcasing the range of artworks produced by our students!
At the Showcase, audiences will also have the chance to vote in our annual People’s Choice Awards for the Year 9 Archibald Prize and Year 10 Suburbia artworks. In addition to this, we will be awarding a Principal's award this year for a stand out Year 9 and Year 10 artwork. Make sure you mark the date in your calendar and come along to view the talents of our SAC artists!
Mrs Claudia Harris
Leader of Learning Visual Arts
Year 7: Oil Pastel Animals
Students have been exploring World Heritage Sites, specifically in Queensland. Drawing inspiration from flora/fuana, texture and beautiful array of colours within these sites, students chose an animal to draw using oil pastels. Before beginning their large artworks, students experimented with a range of oil pastel techniques and proposed draft artworks before choosing their best piece to enlarge. Artists of year 7 meticulously transferred the unique characteristics of their chosen animal using techniques from Term 1 - Grid method.
Below you will find oil pastel animal artworks in progress.











Year 8: Mombassa Artworks
Year 8 artists have been investigating the artmaking practice of Mombasa, identifying characteristics of his style in order to then create a painting imitating the features and techniques used by Mombassa. Students are also simultaneously designing a ceramic piece, learning construction techniques such as pinch pot and coil, as well as underglazing/glazing methods. Students’ ceramic pieces are being bisque fired as we speak, ready for underglazing/glazing in the coming weeks.
Below you will find Mombassa artworks in progress.












Year 10: Suburbia - Collection of Works
Students have recently completed their Suburbia Collection of Works after weeks of artmaking. Showcasing an array of different art forms/mediums, each depicting various different avenues of the same theme ‘Suburbia’. Students dedicated their time both in and out of class refining and resolving their ideas in order to best communicate their concepts and intentions to their audiences. Along the way, Visual Arts Process Diaries were utilised to capture every moment of their practice, exploring new opportunities and experimenting with new techniques in order to build upon their repertoire of skills.










Mrs Shandel Kemal
Visual Arts Teacher
St Andrews College will be hosting Japanese students next term - for 7 nights from 1 August to 8 August 2024.
You can share your lifestyle and home whilst experiencing another culture.
- Students attend school on weekdays and enjoy family life with you on the weekend
- Japanese language skill is not necessary.
- Students just fit in with your family routines
- The students need their own bed but can share a room.
- Families are paid $50 per night.
If you can assist in hosting a student or would like to know further information, please contact Ms Suzuki at msuzuki@parra.catholic.edu.au
Alternatively, you can contact the company, VS Oceania organising the host families for this group at ushinohama@vsoceania.com
Thank you for your support.
Regards,
Mariko Suzuki
Leader of Learning - Languages
St Andrews College, Marayong
Ph: 9626 4000
Email: msuzuki@parra.catholic.edu.au
Since the start of the academic year, our Year 11 Industrial Technology Multimedia class has embarked on an exciting journey into the world of digital design and content creation. Students have been honing their skills in a wide array of industry-standard software including Adobe Photoshop, Figma, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Premiere Pro, and Adobe After Effects. This comprehensive skill development is equipping them with the tools they need to become proficient multimedia artists.
A major focus for the students has been the development of their own 'Demo Reels'—a compilation of their best work that showcases their technical abilities and helps them refine their unique production styles. Just as professional video editors have distinct styles that make their work recognisable, our students are learning to develop their own creative signatures. This individual style is crucial as they prepare for their major projects next year.
This week, the class took their learning beyond the computer screen and ventured outdoors for a hands-on photography and videography session to gather assets for their Demo Reel. Equipped with iPhones, Android phones and DSLR cameras, the students explored the practical differences between these tools. This experience allowed them to evaluate which type of camera they might prefer for future projects, considering factors like image quality, the ability to customise settings, and overall usability.
Students experimented with capturing a variety of photos and videos; experimenting with different shots, angles, and camera movements. They were encouraged to think creatively and observe their surroundings more closely, capturing the subtle beauty of nature through their lenses. This exercise not only enhanced their technical skills but also inspired them to see the world from new perspectives and to convey that vision through their work.
We look forward to seeing Year 11’s skills develop even further in the coming months!








Shanai Mifsud
TAS & VET Information and Digital Technology Teacher
Our divers represented the College last week at the NSW All Schools Diving Championships at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre. The competition ran over two days from Thursday 30th - Friday 31st May. St Andrews College had nine divers compete over the two days and was the most represented school in NSW ahead of PLC Sydney with seven divers and Trinity Grammar with five divers.
Our platform divers Rachael, Claire, and Analise competed on Thursday with Rachael our highest finisher in 6th place followed by Claire in 8th and Analise in 9th place. This was only the second platform competition for these girls and they held their own alongside more experienced divers.
Our springboard divers competed on Friday with the older age groups up first. In the 14-year boys springboard event Ronan came 6th (only 1 point behind 5th) with Curtis in 8th place. The 14-year girls saw Rachael place 5th which was three places higher than last year. The 13-year age groups were next with Eesa placing 5th (only 1.5 points from 4th) in the boys' event and Anlalise and Hannah placing 7th and 8th respectively.
The final age group was the 12-year springboard. St Andrews had one boy and one girl in each event with both Micah and Despina finishing on the podium in 3rd place.
I am so incredibly proud of our diving team and would like to commend them on their effort and dedication. I would also like to thank Dr. Kennaugh, Miss Nikitovic, Mrs. Borg, Mrs. Welch, and Mrs. Allingham for their support in running this program at St Andrews College.
If your child would like to join the diving team please ask them to get in touch with me at school. If you have a primary school child who will be attending St Andrews College in the future, they can join our Pathways program. Please email me aweaver@parra.catholic.edu.au






Anita Weaver
Head of Diving
On the weekend of the 1st and 2nd of June, the following Year 8 students represented St Andrews in a Shakespeare extravaganza.
Category: Smart Phone Short Film
Based on Hamlet
- Emily Burchmore
- Dharshini Mahesh
- Saumya Punj
- Lauren Renouf
- Helli Vyas
On Saturday, students participated in a masterclass workshop with professionals in their field. They were then able to use the skills they learnt to create another short film and be collaborative with other schools in the process.
On the Sunday we were able to witness various talented performances from a variety of schools all over the state. It was excellent to see the amount of love there was for drama and for what Shakespeare has inspired for this new generation of young thespians.
Unfortunately we didn’t place for the Grand Final, however the students have worked really hard to use the feedback from the judges in the regional round to improve on their craft. They were encouraging and supportive of the other performances we saw and emulated all that there is to as drama students with the workshops run.
They’ve definitely done a fantastic job at showcasing what a St Andrews College student is all about, we are very proud of their achievements.
Miss Christina Rujicica
Teacher of Drama and English
An exciting new learning opportunity for Year 11 students in 2025
The PDHPE staff are busily preparing for the introduction of a new course in 2025, called Health and Movement Science. This course replaces what is currently known as PDHPE for students in year 11 and 12. Students in year 10 this year will be the first cohort to study this course in 2025 and would’ve heard more about this at their subject selection evening. We look forward to sharing with you more about this in the future.
Year 11 PDHPE Excursion to BEST
Year 11 PDHPE students were fortunate to be one of the first schools to visit the Blacktown Exercise Science and Technology Hub. This is a brand new, state of the art, multi-million dollar facility at Eastern Creek and a joint venture between Blacktown Council and the Australian Catholic University.
As part of their course work studying biomechanical concepts such as motion, force, fluid mechanics and how the body's energy systems create movement, students participated in a variety of workshops which provided them the opportunity to deepen their understanding of these concepts as well as physiology, the components of fitness and recovery.
We are excited to continue this partnership for our students studying Health and Movement Science in 2025.
Please enjoy this reflection below by some of our year 11 PDHPE students:
On Tuesday 4th June, we visited the BEST Hub (Blacktown Exercise Sports and Technology Hub) for our year 11 PDHPE excursion. The day was a blast! We all had a great day, although I think we can all say that we were a little sore the next day. The BEST excursion was filled with lots of different practical activities and workshops to help us better understand the content in Core 2: Body in Motion - which we are learning in class. The day began in the biomechanics lab where we learnt about motion and balance. We were given the opportunity to engage in practical activities such as counter-movement jumps and balance skills on force plates which helped us gain a better understanding of gravity and the forces in play when jumping. We were also shown a 3D motion analysis of the way in which the muscles work when running - which was very interesting! After this, we entered the physiological lab where a few of us volunteered to have a go at the resistance bike (30 seconds of intense bike riding with weights) known as the wingate test. As exhausting as this was, everyone was encouraging and supportive, and not only did it bring us all together, but it also helped us learn about ATP and anaerobic exercise. Whilst in the lab, we observed one of our friends attempt a VO2 max test which helped us understand how oxygen levels increase when exercising. We also gained a better understanding of lactate levels and the lactate threshold, through a practical activity of one’s finger being pricked and the blood being measured after 2 minutes of exercise, helping us to further understand how exercise increases lactate levels. Finally, we went outside and engaged in a few practical exercises (countermovement jump test, isometric mid-thigh strength test, sprint test, 5.0.5 and the BRONCO) to test our jump height, strength, speed and endurance. Overall, the day was lots of fun and it was nice to see everyone encouraging each other. We learnt a lot from this excursion and I hope that the years below us also get given this opportunity in the future!
- Raphaella Thimiopoulos- Wilson
The B.E.S.T excursion was a fresh and insightful experience that year 11 PDHPE got to enjoy. This was a fun experience that I recommend continuing for future cohorts of students studying Health and Movement Science. This excursion allowed us to experience first-hand what we are currently learning about in class. We could participate in a range of activities that tested our strength, agility, speed and power. This included activities such as a vertical jump test, broncos, isometric hip thrust, the VO2 Max Testing and much more. Based on these activities we participated in we gained so much knowledge that we can now apply to our current assessment task. We learnt the effects of exercise first-hand and since I found myself getting tired after exercise, I knew why and the process of how I got tired which will be greatly useful in how I complete my assessment task. Overall this day was an unforgettable experience and I was able to take a lot out of it that I most likely wouldn’t have known without this excursion.
- Leila Crisafulli-Kefu
Year 11 Community and Family Studies excursion
Amazing race treasure hunt around the Sydney CBD
Real world learning is key to creating young people who can think critically, communicate effectively and solve problems and this excursion for year 11 CAFS students provided the opportunity for students to develop and foster these skills.
Students were given the chance to put together their own groups for the day, encouraging teamwork and collaboration. All they knew was the meeting point and time, and from here, each group set off to complete a series of activities and challenges, meeting up at 60-90min intervals. This also required students to plan accordingly (check train times for example to ensure they would arrive at the correct destination and on time), be organised and promote independence. In particular, students had to reflect on concepts such as roles in groups, leadership and factors that influence these concepts, allowing them to apply the concepts that we had been studying in class.
Please enjoy these reflections below from some students:
Throughout the excursion, everybody acquired life skills from the tasks assigned by the teachers of Community and Family Studies. We applied personal management skills and worked together collaboratively to complete various tasks, simultaneously, having fun exploring the city together.
- Josh, Jeralin and Mary Grace
Our CAFS excursion was an outstanding experience that not only tested our skills but also brought us closer as a group. The excursion presented us with opportunities to apply the learning skills we have acquired in CAFS, such as decision making and leadership, in a real world scenario. We navigated through the city in our small groups, meeting at designated points every hour to regroup with our teachers and other groups.
One of the most significant points from this excursion was the development of self management skills, particularly in regards to time management with using our resources like buses and trains. We had to prioritise tasks and allocate our time effectively to ensure we completed all the assigned activities. The experience will undoubtedly benefit us in future scenarios where we need to manage our time efficiently. The excursion also allowed us to practise effective communication skills. We worked together to complete tasks, share ideas, talk to members of the public and negotiate with each other. These skills are essential in any situation, and we believe we have made significant progress in this area.
One of the most memorable activities was when we were tasked with finding the most expensive item at David Jones. We saw high end pop up stores like Dior, which added an element of excitement and challenge to the task. This activity not only tested our problem solving skills but also provided us with a unique opportunity for learning (and the most expensive items were all ugly)! Overall, we believe this excursion was a valuable learning experience that helped us grow as individuals and as a group. It has equipped us with the skills and confidence to tackle future challenges and work together effectively.
- Jayda Amabile , Lizzy Kwiatowski, Isabella Elias, Vesna Kenny and Emma Attard
The CAFS excursion served as not only valuable learning, but also a beneficial opportunity to apply our learning in a practical aspect. By learning about resource management in class and being able to utilise it through the excursion; it allowed us to not only witness the real world application of our knowledge but also deepen our understanding through hands-on experience. This excursion fostered a sense of unity amongst peers due to shared experiences and collaboration which further strengthened our understanding and enjoyment of the activities. Overall, this excursion provided an immersive and enjoyable experience.
- Christabel Gobrial
The CAFS excursion provided us with a chance to put our learning into practice. We thoroughly enjoyed the activities organised by Mrs. Brogan. These activities challenged us to work as a team, communicate effectively, plan, and manage our time wisely. During the excursion, we encountered obstacles that highlighted the importance of communication and utilising available resources to achieve our group goals.
- Makoi Malual












Year 12 PDHPE Excursion to the Australian College of Physical Education
On Wednesday the 6th of June, Year 12 students in PD/H/PE attended an excursion at the Australian College of Physical Education (ACPE) at Sydney’s Olympic Park. The focus of the excursion was Factors Affecting Performance, which coincides with our HSC studies. This excursion provided us students with the opportunity to participate in practical workshops where we could apply our knowledge from class and also deepen our level of understanding.
In workshop 1, students learnt about energy systems and their use in a sporting context. We then also took part in a range of testing. Some of the testing included 20 metre Sprint, Vertical Jump & Coordination testing for the ATP-PC System, Wingate Bike Protocol testing for the Glycolytic System, and a BONUS - VO2 Max Test (Treadmill) worth $500 for one of our athletes, which Amponsah Antwi took part in. In workshop 2, students learnt about the principles of training in ACPE's performance gym. Students experienced and analysed how the principles of training can be applied to both aerobic and resistance training.
The excursion at ACPE was an invaluable initiative that should continue in the future due to ACPE having practical laboratories where students were able to deepen their level of understanding and apply their knowledge, which would not otherwise be possible at this level. Being immersed in practical activities that coincide with the coursework for year 12 PDHPE had a unique ability to bridge the gap between academic concepts and our practical applications.
Luke Binny and Raine Tui
Year 12 PDHPE students








I would also like to acknowledge and praise the way in which our year 11 and 12 students represented our College at each of these excursions. Your maturity, respect and willingness to immerse yourself in these learning opportunities was evident and a true representation of what it means to be a St Andrews student.
Mrs Kayla Brogan
Leader of Learning - PDHPE
Junior CAPA Night
The Creative and Performing Arts department will be showcasing some of our finest talents in Music, Art and Drama during Week 7 of this term. This showcase will highlight students in these courses who have been producing work of a high standard in class. The showcase will be staged in the Junior Hall from 5pm - 7.30pm on Wednesday the 12th of June. Please join us to celebrate the work our student creatives have been developing. There will be Music and Drama Performances from 5.45pm as well as a visual arts display starting from 5pm. Light refreshments will be served upon arrival and entry is free. We hope to see you there.
Kings Birthday Public Holiday | 10th June 2024 |
College Athletics Carnival | 14th June 2024 |
College Leadership Team
College Principal | Dr Stephen Kennaugh |
Assistant Principal Wellbeing and Learning | Mr Nicholas Thrum |
Assistant Principal Systems, Data and Profesional Learning | Mr Patrick Finnerty |
Assistant Principal Teaching and Learning | Ms Josilin Kalifa |
Director of Faith, Mission and Learning | Mr Andrew Hoare |
Leader of Faith Mission and Learning | Mrs Karina Anthony |
College Business Manager | Mrs Melissa Welch |
Administration Operations Manager | Ms Simone McKechnie |
Leaders of Learning - Wellbeing
Leader of Learning Wellbeing | Mrs Sue Cooper |
Leader of Learning Wellbeing Year 7 | Mr Jarryd Leaves |
Leader of Learning Wellbeing Year 8 | Mr Kharl Carlos |
Leader of Learning Wellbeing Year 9 | Mr Nathan Weaver |
Leader of Learning Wellbeing Year 10 |
Ms Alicia Harwood |
Leader of Learning Wellbeing Year 11 Leader of Wellbeing Senior Campus |
Mrs Emily Parker |
Leader of Learning Wellbeing Year 12 |
Mr Andrew Houseman |
College Counsellors |
Ms Kerrie Castle & Sr Cristina Ramada |
College Future Pathways Leader | Ms Therese May |
Faith in Action Coordinator | Ms Olivia Tan |
College Leaders of Learning - KLA
Leader of Learning Mathematics | Ms Tracey Thomson |
Assistant Leader of Learning Mathematics | Mr Jacob Wills |
Leader of Learning English | Mrs Katharine McDonald |
Assistant Leader of Learning English | Mr Jake Dowers |
Director of Performance | Mr Antonio Chiappetta |
Leader of Learning Music | Mr Jason Alata |
Leader of Learning Art | Mrs Claudia Harris |
Leader of Learning HSIE | Mr Daniel Camilleri |
Assistant Leaders of Learning HSIE |
Miss Cherry Malonzo Miss Monika Ramzy |
Leader of Learning Languages | Ms Mariko Suzuki |
Leader of Learning PDHPE | Mrs Kayla Brogan |
PDHPE Leader Performance | Mrs Janna Leitch |
Leader of Learning TAS | Mr Bill Robson |
STEM Coordinator Assistant Leader of Learning TAS |
Miss Alexandra Serbin |
Assistant Leader of Learning TAS |
Mr Matthew Fellows |
Leader of Learning Science | Mr Rohan Isaac |
Assistant Leader of Learning Science | Mrs Kelly Thompson |
College Leaders of Learning
Leader of Learning Diversity | Mrs Pauline Xuereb |
Leader of Learning Pedagogy Leader of Learning VET |
Mr Geoffrey Dickson |
Leader of Learning Reading/Writing | Mr Duncan Dewar |
Leader of Learning Information and Communications Technology | Mrs Sarah Anzellotti |
Head of Diving | Mrs Anita Weaver |
Leader of Learning Sport | Miss Ivana Nikitovic |
Leader of Learning Literacy | Ms Linda Hicks |
Head of Debating and Public Speaking | Miss Mickaella Douglas |